A THIRD potential supermarket for Christchurch has been recommended for approval – after being turned down twice before.

The Morrisons plan for the Beagle Technology site in Stony Lane, Christchurch has been recommended for approval, and will go before Christchurch Council’s planning committee on Thursday January 23.

Last year two other outline supermarket proposals were approved; Asda at Bailey Drive, off Barrack Road, and another unnamed food store at Meteor Retail Park in Somerford.

Following concerns from residents and councillors, Simons Developments for Morrisons say the height of the store has been reduced and relocated on the site.

The full planning application for the store – which will be built on stilts - includes a 355 space car park, two other shop units and £1million of highway works on Stony Lane itself and the roundabout.

The application has so far received 862 letters of support with 254 objections.

Concerns have been expressed by Forum Heritage on the design of the building but they say if changes suggested by English Heritage are implemented, these worries would be addressed.

Christchurch Chamber of Trade has also lodged concerns including trade diversion from the High Street, loss of land for industrial use, and traffic congestion.

The prospect of the food store has split opinion in the Chamber, with the group generally supportive of Beagle but with some members worried about the health of the town centre.

A council-commissioned study said it is unlikely that three new food stores would ultimately be implemented in Christchurch.

It also said linked trips – people using the supermarket and the town centre - could generate between £2million and £8.3million – and offset the potential loss of trade to the town centre.

Chris Newsome, development director at Simons said they were “delighted” by the recommendation and were looking forward to Thursday’s meeting.

Plan 'safeguards jobs'

Beagle Technology Group says their existing premises at Stony Lane are now outdated and unsuitable for the specialist nature of their business.

By relocating to modern premises at Bournemouth Airport, the planning report says this will safeguard 80 existing jobs, and potentially create another 90.

The new food store will create around 300 jobs.

A planning obligation has been signed saying Beagle will relocate within Christchurch with a recruitment and training agreement to ensure new jobs are targeted at local people through Job Centre Plus.

Residents have a say on the scheme

- Ann Spencer, 63, an office worker from Christchurch said: “I don’t mind if they have a Morrisons there, I think it would be quite good, because they’ve only got Waitrose here, and Marks and Spencer.”

- Katrina West, 55, a bookkeeper from Sopley, said: “I don’t see why not, every other supermarket is here. I would use it if it was a decent size one.”

- Gemma Shutler, 35, from Christchurch, said: “For us, it would be quite nice, but I do quite like coming to the high street and supporting the high street.”

- Leslie Killick, 93, from Highcliffe, said: “I think it would be a good idea, but it would probably impact on the high street.“I go to Sainsbury’s, so I wouldn’t change from there.”

Comments (18)

Would the numbers in favour be as high if it were Tesco applying to build on the site I wonder? Very probably not. We have to come away from the idea of having a Morrisons no matter what, and think of this application as being for a large supermarket, and ask the question is this the right place for that type of development. Traffic on the A35 bypass is already a nightmare, and I really do not see what possible benefit there will be for the town. But the developers and/or their consultants are hardly likely to say that the proposed development will be detrimental. Almost 40 years experience of supermarket shopping has taught me that you get the frozen and chilled items home asap, and don't leave them to start to deteriorate in a warm car whilst you go off and wander into town.

Would the numbers in favour be as high if it were Tesco applying to build on the site I wonder? Very probably not. We have to come away from the idea of having a Morrisons no matter what, and think of this application as being for a large supermarket, and ask the question is this the right place for that type of development. Traffic on the A35 bypass is already a nightmare, and I really do not see what possible benefit there will be for the town. But the developers and/or their consultants are hardly likely to say that the proposed development will be detrimental. Almost 40 years experience of supermarket shopping has taught me that you get the frozen and chilled items home asap, and don't leave them to start to deteriorate in a warm car whilst you go off and wander into town.Mudefordresident

I think this is a good idea as Morrisons don't have a branch in Poole, Bournemouth or Christchurch so I am in full favor of this. Yes there are concerns but the nearest Morrisons is Verwood, New Milton, Blandford and Weymouth so it would be great to have one here.

I think this is a good idea as Morrisons don't have a branch in Poole, Bournemouth or Christchurch so I am in full favor of this. Yes there are concerns but the nearest Morrisons is Verwood, New Milton, Blandford and Weymouth so it would be great to have one here.Yellow more

Competition is good for the economy and prices. Personally I would be glad to see a Morissons close enough to where I live in Southbourne, and I would shop there for my main weekly shop despite there being six local supermarket stores within less than a mile of my home!!

Competition is good for the economy and prices. Personally I would be glad to see a Morissons close enough to where I live in Southbourne, and I would shop there for my main weekly shop despite there being six local supermarket stores within less than a mile of my home!!Anneaa

As this is a full application guess they steal a march on both the other schemes that still haven't gone past outline. Race to the finish line now who will start building first and potentially put the others off

As this is a full application guess they steal a march on both the other schemes that still haven't gone past outline. Race to the finish line now who will start building first and potentially put the others offwoby_tide

Mudefordresident wrote:
Would the numbers in favour be as high if it were Tesco applying to build on the site I wonder? Very probably not. We have to come away from the idea of having a Morrisons no matter what, and think of this application as being for a large supermarket, and ask the question is this the right place for that type of development. Traffic on the A35 bypass is already a nightmare, and I really do not see what possible benefit there will be for the town. But the developers and/or their consultants are hardly likely to say that the proposed development will be detrimental. Almost 40 years experience of supermarket shopping has taught me that you get the frozen and chilled items home asap, and don't leave them to start to deteriorate in a warm car whilst you go off and wander into town.

This location is much better suited to a supermarket than the planned asda on barrack road. Also give us a morrisons as competition is a good thing, Bournemouth already has an asda. If Tesco were applying it would receive dislike as there are plenty of them in the area already. I don't understand the hate for supermarkets, if high street shops were open later than 5pm, more people would use them. I would love to shop in the high street at a butcher or grocer but the opening hours don't suit my working patters, this means I like the supermarket. Many people are in the same boat. High street shops were not killed by big supermarkets but by the modern way of life. Home deliveries, all under one roof, large free car parks, long opening hours and a large selection of choice. There is a small coffee shop in Christchurch open late every night, I bet that alone brings more custom to them as the larger places like hero and costa are closed. If they were open it might be unviable for the small one. Don't get me started on the low wages some supermarket jobs pay, allowing an abundance of staff to be employed to allow the opening hours though.

[quote][p][bold]Mudefordresident[/bold] wrote:
Would the numbers in favour be as high if it were Tesco applying to build on the site I wonder? Very probably not. We have to come away from the idea of having a Morrisons no matter what, and think of this application as being for a large supermarket, and ask the question is this the right place for that type of development. Traffic on the A35 bypass is already a nightmare, and I really do not see what possible benefit there will be for the town. But the developers and/or their consultants are hardly likely to say that the proposed development will be detrimental. Almost 40 years experience of supermarket shopping has taught me that you get the frozen and chilled items home asap, and don't leave them to start to deteriorate in a warm car whilst you go off and wander into town.[/p][/quote]This location is much better suited to a supermarket than the planned asda on barrack road. Also give us a morrisons as competition is a good thing, Bournemouth already has an asda. If Tesco were applying it would receive dislike as there are plenty of them in the area already. I don't understand the hate for supermarkets, if high street shops were open later than 5pm, more people would use them. I would love to shop in the high street at a butcher or grocer but the opening hours don't suit my working patters, this means I like the supermarket. Many people are in the same boat. High street shops were not killed by big supermarkets but by the modern way of life. Home deliveries, all under one roof, large free car parks, long opening hours and a large selection of choice. There is a small coffee shop in Christchurch open late every night, I bet that alone brings more custom to them as the larger places like hero and costa are closed. If they were open it might be unviable for the small one. Don't get me started on the low wages some supermarket jobs pay, allowing an abundance of staff to be employed to allow the opening hours though.Dorset Outsider

Best decision the council has made in years.....morrisons is a "working class" supermarket with an eye on the ball. It seems you get elected as a councilor and you soon loose touch with ordinary lives. Much better option to the Asda site and will cater for the other side of Christchurch more. How about dropping the kids off at sports centre two rivers meet whilst you do you shopping. Bring it on

Best decision the council has made in years.....morrisons is a "working class" supermarket with an eye on the ball. It seems you get elected as a councilor and you soon loose touch with ordinary lives. Much better option to the Asda site and will cater for the other side of Christchurch more. How about dropping the kids off at sports centre two rivers meet whilst you do you shopping. Bring it onAfterhours

How can this be a good place for a supermarket? Its been under water for the last month? And how can something that has been turned down twice, now beeecommended for approval. The councillors need to back the correct decisions they made before and reject this scheme again. Happy to have a Morrisons, but not here.

How can this be a good place for a supermarket? Its been under water for the last month? And how can something that has been turned down twice, now beeecommended for approval. The councillors need to back the correct decisions they made before and reject this scheme again. Happy to have a Morrisons, but not here.stjos1980

kalebmoledirt wrote:
How many ordinary rate payers have obtained planning permission after being rejected twice.What persuasive powers do they have that residents Don,t

Simple.
The person who actually owns the land has more influence than "ordinary rate payers"; or so I have been led to believe;-)

[quote][p][bold]kalebmoledirt[/bold] wrote:
How many ordinary rate payers have obtained planning permission after being rejected twice.What persuasive powers do they have that residents Don,t[/p][/quote]Simple.
The person who actually owns the land has more influence than "ordinary rate payers"; or so I have been led to believe;-)twynham

If anyone hasn't noticed Christchurch has been going through a slow painfully death so maybe you should welcome a bit of life coming your way, morrisons do awesome offers so think of the money you will save shopping around! All main roads have been rubbish here for years if a few hundred cars go to the new asda or morrisons we will all get home quicker, bout time Christchurch moved into the 21st century

If anyone hasn't noticed Christchurch has been going through a slow painfully death so maybe you should welcome a bit of life coming your way, morrisons do awesome offers so think of the money you will save shopping around! All main roads have been rubbish here for years if a few hundred cars go to the new asda or morrisons we will all get home quicker, bout time Christchurch moved into the 21st centuryWhatsyourproblem

I am pleased to see the headline that the Morrisons supermarket is up for "approval". How they have stuck around so long with the "dithering" of Christchurch Council is beyond me. I just hope the vote goes along with the recommendation. As for the campaign against the supermarket in the town and local households being fed unidentified anti-Morrisons propoganda has for many local people only fed their determination to get Morrisons into Christchurch.

I am pleased to see the headline that the Morrisons supermarket is up for "approval". How they have stuck around so long with the "dithering" of Christchurch Council is beyond me. I just hope the vote goes along with the recommendation. As for the campaign against the supermarket in the town and local households being fed unidentified anti-Morrisons propoganda has for many local people only fed their determination to get Morrisons into Christchurch.mytown1

kalebmoledirt wrote:
How many ordinary rate payers have obtained planning permission after being rejected twice.What persuasive powers do they have that residents Don,t

Simple.
The person who actually owns the land has more influence than &quot;ordinary rate payers"; or so I have been led to believe;-)

Dear Twynham

Your point counters itself, if they had that much influence then we wouldn't be having a debate it would have been granted first time round

It's only your mates on the prejudiced planning committee that denied it for the benefit of there friends at Quantum

[quote][p][bold]twynham[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]kalebmoledirt[/bold] wrote:
How many ordinary rate payers have obtained planning permission after being rejected twice.What persuasive powers do they have that residents Don,t[/p][/quote]Simple.
The person who actually owns the land has more influence than "ordinary rate payers"; or so I have been led to believe;-)[/p][/quote]Dear Twynham
Your point counters itself, if they had that much influence then we wouldn't be having a debate it would have been granted first time round
It's only your mates on the prejudiced planning committee that denied it for the benefit of there friends at QuantumBeaglesupporter